The Ballymaloe Cookery School

Ballymaloe Cookery School first opened its doors in 1983 and has been teaching students from all over the world and all walks of life since then. Unlike any other cookery school in the world, we are situated on our very own fully certified 100 acre organic farm. In Gaelic, 'Ballymaloe' means "the townland of sweet honey" - meal (honey) lua (soft or sweet), while Shanagarry means "old garden", and we like to believe that these old placenames convey a special meaning about the soil and microclimate in this beautiful part of East Cork. It would certainly seem so.

The prestigious Ballymaloe 12 Week Certificate is based on a structured program covering a wide variety of world cuisines and culinary techniques. Students are equipped with all the necessary skills to start a career as a professional chef.

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What Our Students Say

"A wonderful atmosphere and EVERYONE was so friendly and helpful - even after more than 20 years being asked the same silly questions! Admirable!!"

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A Student

Course Attended

"I really loved this course. It was such a wonderful experience and will have a significant impact on how I view and treat food from now on. I loved the mix of activities, a great balance between hands-on cookery, high quality demonstrations and discussion about producing and sourcing high quality and natural food. The fishing was a real highlight - nothing like catching a fish yourself and then preparing and eating it. Learning how to smoke a fish was also a revelation. See the cow milked...

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A Student

Course Attended

"I'd like to pay special tribute to all the chefs/tutors who were excellent and did so much to make my experience so special. Nothing was too much trouble. Thanks to Gary, Emer, Pat, Debbie, Florrie, Sorcha, Tracie, Pam, Sally, and apologies to anybody I've left out. Ballymaloe truly has excellent staff to be proud of."

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A Student

Course Attended

"I would like to commend Ballymaloe on making the whole experience so memorable. The organization couldn't be faulted, the staff were friendly and helpful, the cooking was informative and fun, and the whole farm experience was fantastic. Wish I could have stayed longer!"

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A Student

Course Attended

"I really enjoyed the course and learnt so many new skills. The demonstrations and the practical sessions in the kitchen were great and all the people at Ballymaloe were so helpful and friendly. I can't say enough good things about my time at Ballymaloe Cookery School, it was just an amazing experience!"

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A Student

Course Attended

"Amazing, informative, great value, interesting, brilliant experience. I loved the course. You definitely under promised and over delivered. Can't wait to find an excuse to go back!"

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A Student

Course Attended

"This past week I spent in Ballymaloe has been one of the most incredible experiences of my life. It was practical, lots of demonstrations and opportunities to practice. It was also incredible value for money. I look forward to going back to Ballymaloe in the future for other courses. Thank you to everyone for such an amazing time."

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A Student

Course Attended

"Most professional from start to finish - this, along with the friendliness and encouragement helped create a rich and wonderful learning environment."

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A Student

Course Attended

Very friendly staff, lovely surroundings, and so much passion for local products - you just want to get home and start cooking! Darina and Rachel were so interesting, kind and helpful. I enjoyed every minute of it!"